Bridges Restaurant & Bar, Danville, California, was facing seemingly intractable performance problems with its kitchen ventilation system and was willing to spend more than $20,000 on a new rooftop fresh air system.

Instead of reaching outside through the dual exhaust hood, smoke and food odors invaded portions of the 300-square-foot dining area, leading to complaints from guests sitting at tables near the kitchen.

The 24-year-old independent Bridges is best known in the San Francisco area for its casually elegant restaurants and as a famous setting for actor Robin Williams' comedic multiple costume changes in the Hollywood film “Mrs. Doubtfire.” According to Kevin Gin, executive chef and member of the restaurant's investor consortium, due to its upscale image and popularity, the annoying cooking smells in the dining area were detrimental to the business and detracted from the overall guest experience.

Additionally, drafts from the existing fresh air HVAC system sucked in smoke and grease that should have been contained in the hood and deposited it on the diffuser, walls, ceilings and other kitchen surfaces, resulting in an annual maintenance expense of over $1,000 US dollars required and cleaning supplies.

In addition to odor intrusion and maintenance costs, air conditioning drafts over the food preparation area resulted in prepared hot entrees being cooled prematurely, while employees in other kitchen areas were uncomfortably hot.

Find a cost-effective solution
A major HVAC retrofit expense seemed imminent until an arranged meeting between Gin and an HVAC ventilation product manager who was attending a dinner hosted by Bridges to mark the 25th anniversary of the nearby Food Service Technology Center (FSTC), one in San Ramon, California-based commercial foodservice equipment testing laboratory funded by Pacific Gas & Electric. Nick Paschke, product manager for fabric HVAC duct manufacturer DuctSox Corp., Peosta, Iowa, recommended a custom fabric air distribution system designed specifically for kitchens. The ceiling unit distributes the air flow evenly, parallel and in front of the kitchen extractor hood. The fabric diffuser is an easy-to-install replacement for metal air distribution diffusers that often cause kitchen hood overflow.

Instead of replacing the 5,000 cfm fresh air equipment, only the kitchen's single conventional 3' x 3' utility box and four metal diffusers were replaced. The diffusers were located above the food prep line to distribute air throughout the 1,000 square foot kitchen and were replaced with two D-shaped KitchenSox fabric diffusers measuring 8 feet long and 28 inches in diameter. Instead of the metal diffuser's estimated 500 feet per minute airflow, which caused turbulence and interruptions in the range hood's capture, the air is distributed gently and evenly through the fabric throughout the kitchen area at a significantly slower rate of 85 feet per minute . Without the previous high-velocity airflow and resulting turbulence, the dual exhaust range hood now efficiently meets its design standards, trapping smoke, grease particles and cooking odors without causing overflow.

CulinAire Systems, El Dorado Hills, Calif., a foodservice ventilation company specializing in on-demand ventilation controls and engineered kitchen ventilation equipment, fabricated the sheet metal plenum and metal/fabric adapters that feed the 16-foot-long fabric ducts. The fabric duct system and metal accessories were installed by CulinAire overnight without interrupting kitchen operations.

Without the draft, there is no longer any excess air smoke, grease buildup and dirt that the return air system once sucked onto diffusers, kitchen walls, ceilings and cabinets, speeding up daily cleaning and hygiene routines.

Gin also plans to do an annual cleaning, as the fabric diffuser can be disassembled by kitchen staff in minutes and cleaned in the laundry, a process that would take several days with an outside contractor using a metal system.

Green mission accomplished
By improving air distribution and preventing hot air from overflowing from the hood into the kitchen, significant energy savings are achieved, complementing Bridges' green mission, which is strategically marketed to its customers. Gin said it is difficult to accurately determine the energy savings of the new system because FSTC continually uses Bridges as a beta testing site for new technologies. However, Gin estimated that Bridges' recent conservation efforts saved the restaurant more than 20 percent in energy costs and quickly paid off the investment.

For example, FSTC monitors the results of the Bridges Intelli-Hood variable speed controller, manufactured by Melink Corp., Milford, Ohio, which won the prestigious AHR Innovation Award in the ventilation category at the 2012 AHR Expo was awarded in Chicago.

Other eco-friendly devices include:
· A 96% efficient Cyclone Xi water heater from AO Smith, Ashland City, Tennessee;
· Variable temperature control for more efficient operation of walk-in refrigerators from E-Control Systems, Sherman Oaks, California;
· High-temperature/reduced water kitchen and bar dishwashers from Hobart Corp., Troy, Ohio;
· A lighting conversion from standard lamps to compact fluorescent lamps;
· The highest efficiency appliances available today in deep fryers, convection ovens and ice cream makers from Vulcan-Hart Co., Baltimore, Maryland; the Garland Group, Freeland, Pennsylvania; and Manitowoc Ice Inc., Manitowoc, Wis.; respectively.

Bridges' HVAC ventilation challenges were completely solved with fabric diffusers, which cost less than ten percent of the approximately $20,000 for a new fresh air system. In addition, the energy savings and lower maintenance costs allow the air distribution system to pay for itself in less than a year. “This is really a common problem (insufficient draft in the extractor hood). I think a lot of restaurants are suffering from this and don’t realize there’s an easy, cost-effective solution,” Gin said. “We previously thought replacing the HVAC system would improve our kitchen ventilation challenges, but now we realize it likely would not have solved the actual ventilation problem that fabric ducts solved.”

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Nick Zakelj spent five years at Fordham becoming one of the best offensive tackles in the Patriot Conference. That path isn’t likely to continue in the NFL after the 49ers picked him 187th overall in this year’s draft. Zakelj told reporters in a press conference after he was selected that he anticipates a move inside as a pro.

“While I did play tackle in college and I’m most comfortable at it, getting those reps at guard at the Senior Bowl broadened my horizon,” he said via Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. “I’m open to being more of a guard at the next level.”

This has become a habit for the 49ers in the draft. Colton McKivitz in 2020 and Jaylon Moore in 2021 were both 49ers picks that played tackle in college, but were taken with the goal of moving them to the interior. This year’s fourth-round pick Spencer Burford also primarily played tackle in college and figures to kick inside as a pro.

Perhaps Zakelj acquits himself well on the outside and sticks at his natural position, but the 49ers need help inside. There are two starting guard jobs open and if Zakelj can make that move with his size and athleticism it’s easy to see how he’d successfully work his way into the new position.

49ers 2022 NFL draft: Takeaways from Day 2

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The Niners took Jackson 61st overall in the NFL draft on Friday night, marking the sixth time in the past eight drafts that they used their top pick on a defensive lineman.

San Francisco then took LSU running back Tyrion Davis-Price 93rd overall and SMU receiver Danny Gray with the 105th pick to end the third round.

Jackson had 12 1/2 sacks in three seasons for USC and adds another edge rushing option for the 49ers across from star Nick Bosa. San Francisco had hoped Dee Ford could fill that role but he has been hampered by injuries and isn’t expected back next season.

RELATED: 49ers GM Lynch ‘can’t ever imagine’ moving on from Deebo Samuel after star receiver asks for trade

“As soon as I get out there, I might try to find him and get a handshake from him,” Jackson said about Bosa. “I’m trying to do and get in there and start getting the knowledge and things that I need to grow and be a monster like him. He’s literally a gremlin on the side. He’s a monster. He puts fear into tackles’ eyes I want to be the same way.”

Jackson had his most productive season as a freshman in 2019 when he had 5 1/2 sacks and 11 1/2 tackles for loss in 11 games. He then had two sacks in six games in the COVID-shortened 2020 season and five sacks and eight tackles for loss in 10 games last season.

He joins a group of defensive ends that feature Samson Ebukam, Kerry Hyder, Jordan Willis and Charles Omenihu and Kemoko Turay in the mix to complement Bosa.

Defensive line coach Kris Kocurek has gotten the best out of several pass rushers over the years and now has another piece to work with in San Francisco.

“I love to play for a coach that’s fired up like that and wants a lot out of his guys,” Jackson said. “It’s a challenge. I’m ready to take on that challenge.”

RELATED: NFL draft order 2022: All 262 picks over seven rounds, plus team-by-team selections

Davis-Price rushed for 1,003 yards and six TDs last season for LSU, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. This was the second straight year San Francisco used a third-round pick on a running back after taking Trey Sermon last year. But sixth-rounder Elijah Mitchell led the team with 963 yards rushing.

Gray adds a speed element to the Niners offense, running a 4.33 40-yard dash at the combine. Gray had 49 catches for 803 yards and nine TDs last season.

This marked the first time since 1996 that San Francisco didn’t have a pick in the first round. The Niners traded their 2022 and 2023 first-rounders to Miami last year to move up nine spots to take quarterback Trey Lance third overall.

Lance spent most of last season as a backup to Jimmy Garoppolo but is expected to take over as starter this season.

There was a chance the 49ers could have gotten a first-round pick had they granted All-Pro receiver Deebo Samuel’s trade request. But San Francisco opted to keep their top playmaker and hope to be able to mend their relationship and agree on a long-term extension before the start of the season.

Go here for the latest news and videos about the San Francisco 49ers.

Copyright © 2022 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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Heading into the 2022 NFL draft, Iowa State running back Breece Hall is arguably the top prospect at his position. While we don’t yet know if he’ll have success if the pros, his family tree may give a hint. If Hall can be helped as successful as his cousin, San Francisco 49ers legend Roger Craig, the NFL team that draft gets him will be pretty happy.

Breece Hall is a top RB prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft

The NFL Draft no longer values ​​running backs like it used to. That means that Iowa State Cyclones RB Breece Hall won’t come off the board until late in the first round or even in Round 2. However, he is an incredible prospect who could become an All-Pro someday.

As a freshman at Iowa State, Hall carried the ball 186 times or 897 yards and nine touchdowns, per Cyclones.com. As good as that was, it wasn’t until his sophomore and junior seasons that he became one of the best bell-cow backs in the country.

His 2020 and 2021 seasons were remarkably consistent. His stat lines those two years in Ames, Iowa, looked like this:

• 2020: 279 carries, 1,572 yards, 21 TDs, 23 catches, 180 yards, two TDs
• 2020: 253 carries, 1,472 yards, 20 TDs, 36 catches, 302 yards, three TDs

After three seasons, the 5-foot-11, 217-pound ball carrier declared for the NFL draft. Hall’s production and his 4.39 40-yard dash speed made him the favorite to be the first RB drafted in 2020. He’s such a high-quality NFL prospect that NFL.com’s Next Gen Stats give him a 99 grade.

All this won’t come as a huge surprise when you learn more about Hall’s family.

Hall comes from an athletic family that includes San Francisco 49ers great Roger Craig

(LR) Breece Hall, Roger Craig | David K ​​Purdy/Getty Images; Otto Greule Jr / Stringer

Breece Hall was born in Omaha, Nebraska, before moving to Wichita, Kansas, where he went to high school and became a 247Sports four-star recruit.

His exposure started young, as his stepfather is former Nebraska Cornhusker running back Jeff Smith, who played for the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1985-88, per WOWT 6.

Hall also has several cousins ​​who are tremendous athletes. Hunter Sallis was a five-star basketball recruit and just finished his freshman season at Gonzaga. Another cousin, AJ Rollins, plays tight end for Nebraska and is heading into his sophomore season.

Hall’s most famous cousin, though, is none other than San Francisco 49ers’ great Roger Craig. That is the cousin who the NFL team that takes Hall in the 2022 NFL Draft hopes he most resembles because Craig had an incredible NFL career.

Roger Craig is a San Francisco 49ers legend

In a reversal of his cousin Breece Hall’s life, Roger Craig was raised in Davenport, Iowa, before attending Nebraska for college. After four years as a Husker, the San Francisco 49ers picked the running back No. 49 overall in the second round of the 1983 NFL draft.

Craig went on to play eight seasons in San Fran before spending a year with the Los Angeles Raiders and two with the Minnesota Vikings.

As a 49er, Craig made four Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team, won the 1988 Offensive Player of the Year Award, and lifted three Lombardi Trophies. He ended his career in 1993 with 1,991 rushes for 8,189 yards, 566 catches for 4,911 yards, and 73 total touchdowns.

While Craig isn’t quite a Hall of Famer, Pro Football Reference rates him as the 11th most valuable player in 49ers franchise history. That’s because his skill and versatility as a runner and a receiver were unique in the 1980s. It also made him the perfect RB for Bill Walsh’s revolutionary (at the time) West Coast offense.

Craig was as much a key ingredient to the 49ers’ ’84, ’88, and ’89 Super Bowls as Joe Montana or Jerry Rice (for the latter two).

Now, nearly four decades after Craig went in the second round of the NFL draft and helped change the league, Hall hopes to do the same.

All stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference

RELATED: Peter Schrager Crushes Possible No. 1 NFL Draft Pick Aidan Hutchinson: ‘You See a Big White Defensive End Wearing No. 97 You’re Like, That’s a Bosa Brother, and It’s Not’

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The NFL Draft is eight days away, and the 49ers have nine draft picks to work with to improve their roster. While I don’t foresee the 49ers using all nine of those selections, for my first mock draft, I’m imposing a “no trade clause.” Last year, the narrative was that the 49ers had no “glaring holes” on the roster, but yet they made eight selections and all eight players made the team. It’s doubtful that will happen this year

61. Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA

While I believe Dulcich ultimately goes higher than this, if he falls here, I think the 49ers should pounce. While not refined as a blocker at UCLA, I believe the concerns about his inability to be an in-line blocker are blown out of proportion. George Kittle wasn’t a finished product as a blocker coming out of Iowa, and Dulcich enters the NFL as a much more refined offensively as a “move tight end” than Kittle was.

Kyle Shanahan loves two tight end sets, and even if he doesn’t trust Dulcich right away as a blocker, Dulcich can immediately contribute as a quintessential Shanahan “offensive weapon.” Although Jauan Jennings’s improvement late last season is very encouraging, Dulcich would be a mismatch as a “big slot.” Dulcich lined up in the slot a lot, but had most of his snaps as an in-line tight end. Dulcich has great measurables with 34 inch arms, nearly 10 inch hands and being a full 6’4″, but he matches those measurables with production down the field. With an average depth of target of 12 yards and an insane 17.3 yards per reception, he’s a favorite among “box score scouts” but his ability to create separation in tight quarters is very impressive. Already an advanced route runner, he puts himself in great position to gain yards after the catch, which will have Shanahan salivating.

While his ability to be an in-line blocker might cause him to fall, the 49ers have shown that they are willing to draft with the future in mind. George Kittle isn’t going anywhere, but he will be 29 at the beginning of the coming season, and it’s never to early to add a weapon like Dulcich, grooming him to be Kittle’s heir apparent.

93. Myjai Sanders, Edge, Cincinnati

Myjai Sanders has been on the 49ers radar for a while, but he took a hit in the world of draft punditry after he showed up to the Combine 25 pounds lighter than he was at the Senior Bowl. Turns out he had been incredibly sick and wasn’t able to keep any food or water down for days before the Combine. Despite that, Sanders competed in most of the drills at the Combine while still being under the weather. He easily could’ve opted out, but he gutted it out, showing his character and willingness to let his tape do the talking.

Sanders is a perfect fit for a “wide 9” alignment pass-rush specialist and, with Kris Kocurek as his coach, I believe he will prove to be one of the steals of the draft. While he’s lean at 6’5, 250, he has more room to put weight on his frame, and you can’t teach his length, bend and athleticism. He’s also no slouch in the run game, so will not have to exclusively be a rotational pass rusher.

He was almost unblockable in Senior Bowl practices, and finished the season strong with a ridiculous 37% pass-rush win rate against Alabama in the Cotton Bowl. While not a perfect prospect, what he does well, he does extremely well. While he may be dinged for his size, his combination of hand usage, technique, bend and explosiveness is not common, and will prove to be a huge boon for the 49ers if they select him. They’ve already had a meeting with him; three of the 49ers’ eight selections last year had pre-draft meetings with the 49ers.

105. Matt Waletzko, OT, North Dakota

It’s been very popular to target a center in the third ground for the 49ers, with Cam Jurgens being a hot name, but I believe Jurgens goes higher than this on draft day. While I would’ve loved to have the opportunity to draft Jurgens, I’m higher on Matt Waletzko as an offensive tackle prospect. Checking in at 6’8″ and 312 pounds, Waletzko is an imposing and athletic tackle with insane length (36+ inch arms!!). In the Senior Bowl, first round prospects such as Boye Mafe and Arnold Ebiketie had some serious duels with him, with Waletzko confounding them in one-on-one situations with his length. 

Waletzko, like Trey Lance, hails from rural Minnesota, and like Lance, was not a highly heralded prospect at the position he played in college. Waletzko raised his profile when he reached the North Dakota campus, starting almost immediately. While there are concerns with his weight, Waletzko played much of his career at 320 and has plenty of room on his frame to add mass with NFL strength and conditioning coaches.

Like Jurgens, while Waletzko may seem raw, rolling the dice with a compensatory third round pick on a prospect with all the tools Waletzko has is something I’m willing to do, especially with Mike McGlinchey entering the final year of his contract. Although pad level tends to be a concern with players the stature of Waletzko, he’s athletic enough to minimize that with great hand usage and knee bend. Players like Waletzko don’t grow on trees, and the growth he’s shown in the past two years shows an ideal trajectory that the 49ers should take advantage of. Per Kent Lee Platte, his Relative Athletic Score places him 7th out of 1,216 OT prospects since 1987. Shanahan wants athletes at tackle, and Waletzko has time to grow into a special player.

134. Markquese Bell, S, Florida A&M

I started looking at safeties in January, and started honing in on Nick Cross, an uber-athletic track star who lays the boom for Maryland. Then I looked at the guy that left Maryland for Florida A&M, Markquese Bell. I still really believe in Cross, but the more I’ve strategized my mocks, the more I believe that Bell might actually be the better player and serve as better value in the fourth round rather than targeting Cross on Day 2 of the draft. 

With prototypical size and length, Bell shows off his track background as a high jumper in testing and on the field. His closing speed is phenomenal, and he does a great job of playing the ball in coverage. I actually believe he’s better in change of direction than Cross, and he is also an absolute enforcer in the run game. A sure tackler, his best role with the 49ers would be playing in the box as a “swiss army knife/positionless” weapon as a hybrid linebacker/safety who can stop the run, drop into coverage or be a heat-seeking missile in blitz packages. Bell would pair incredibly well with Jimmie Ward, and give the 49ers a guy who I believe can step in as a rookie into a starting role. Getting a starter in the fourth round isn’t easy, but I believe Bell can defy the odds.

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172. Danny Gray, WR, SMU

Another guy who has met twice with the 49ers in the pre-draft process, Danny Gray is a player who stole the thunder from his higher-touted teammate, Reggie Roberson, last season. It’s easy to pigeonhole Gray as purely a speedster, but there is so much more to his game than straight-line quicks. Gray is an apt route runner whose speed overshadows his ability to gain yards after the catch, averaging almost 9 yards after the catch per reception. Gray’s quarterback play limited his ability to catch deep passes, but he routinely made his own offense by having a knack to gain separation quickly. 

Gray does lack a strong build, and can struggle with physicality off the line of scrimmage, but he thrives going against man coverage with silky releases and impressive acceleration. Shanahan prioritizes YAC, and has been looking to pair that ability with game-breaking speed; Gray has that in spades, and would be a phenomenal WR3 to complement Deebo and Brandon Aiyuk.

187. Eyioma Uwazurike, DL, Iowa State

The 49ers love adding depth to the defensive line, and Eyioma Uwazurike is a perfect chess piece with excellent athleticism, versatility and value in the sixth round. At 6’6″ and 316 with 35+ inch arms, Uwazurike is a handful for interior lineman as a guy who will thrive as “big end” in the 49ers scheme with the ability to swing inside, as well. While he’s known for his ability to move down the line in his prowess as a run defender, Uwazurike has all the tools to improve as a pocket disruptor under the tutelage of Kocurek, and he already comes in with a pretty good toolbelt.

Uwazurike had a nearly 17% pass rush win rate operating as an end in Iowa State’s 3-4 alignment, far surpassing the pass rush production of more highly touted prospects, helping him earn First Team All Big 12 from Big 12 coaches. While I think he should go higher than this, I would be sprinting to the podium to make this selection if he falls this far.

220. Dawson Deaton, C, Texas Tech

Okay, here’s my dark-horse “sleeper” of the draft that I wouldn’t wait to sign as an undrafted free agent: Dawson Deaton. While I really like Cam Jurgens, I’m baffled as to why Deaton hasn’t received similar love for his very comparable athletic traits. A three-year starter at Texas Tech, Deaton displays phenomenal anchor ability, and really succeeds at moving to the next level picking up multiple defenders. 

Despite his height that seems abnormal for a center, Deaton moves incredibly well in tight spaces and, like Matt Waletzko, utilizes knee bend effectively to compensate. With Alex Mack entering what may be the last year of his career, Deaton would be a phenomenal addition to the 49ers who can also play guard, giving the 49ers versatility if/when players go down in-season. I would have no problem drafting Deaton a little bit higher, but if plans fall through to address center early in the draft, Deaton is a more than satisfactory consolation prize.

221. Ty Chandler, RB, North Carolina

I was the hype man for the Elijah Mitchell Fan Club while covering the first week of training camp for Niner Noise last summer, so why draft another running back? Is it a “need?” Running back is always a need for Kyle Shanahan, and Ty Chandler would give Shanahan another explosive, one-cut back for his heavily zone-based scheme that will keep Mitchell’s legs fresh next season.

With ridiculously hard acts to follow from the likes of current NFL standouts Javonte Williams and Michael Carter, Chandler transferred from Tennessee last season and broke out in his senior year, averaging 6 yards per carry while averaging an excellent 3.86 yards after contact per attempt. He also has great pass catching chops; while catching only 14 balls last year, he averaged 15 yards per catch. Even with taking a long touchdown out of the equation, he still averaged 11 yards per catch. I fully expect him to be a more prolific pass catcher at the next level. Couple that with decisiveness and true game speed that matches his testing numbers (4.38 forty with 1.52 10-yard split), Chandler could prove to be another sixth round running back steal for the 49ers.

262. Jack Jones, CB, Arizona State

I’ve been a draft junkie since I was in middle school, so yes, I watch almost every minute of the NFL Scouting Combine. Although I don’t base my opinions purely on the “eye test,” for the 49ers’ 4th “Mr. Irrelevant” selection in the history of the franchise (Tim Washington, Donald Chumley and Sam Manuel), I’m going with my gut from a guy I hadn’t watched during his career, but really popped off the screen to me in drills and workouts. And that’s Jack Jones.

Jones has had a circuitous route in his draft process, to say the least. A five star recruit from Long Beach, Jones announced his commitment to USC with Snoop Dogg and had allegedly run a 4.28 forty in high school. He was ranked as high as the 22nd best player (not just cornerback) in the country, and was looked at as a can’t-miss prospect.

Two years later, however, he was charged with a felony for burglary, which was reduced to a misdemeanor. After taking a year away at the JUCO level, Jones transferred to Arizona State and tried to refurbish his image and his game. Despite taking efforts to improve as a person off the field, there are understandably still doubts about taking risks on a player who potentially has “character red flags.” 

On top of that, Jones is 5’11” and 171, so while not short, he’s not big, either. He didn’t run a blazing forty at the Combine that matched his high school recruiting hype, but he stood out in drills to me. Great concentration, change of direction and looked fluid in everything he did. There are a lot of scouts who view him as a legit outside cover corner, and that’s what he did at Arizona State and USC. I think he has the ability to add muscle and also slide inside and have success in the slot. All things considered, I think Jones would buck the trend of previous 49ers’ Mr. Irrelevant draftees, and finagle a slot on the 53 man roster. If he did, he’d have to play just two games to surpass the combined number of games played by the previous three…one game!

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The San Francisco 49ers trade up in last year’s NFL Draft has changed the dynamics of this organization in a big way. San Francisco will now rely on 2021 No. 3 pick Trey Lance to replace Jimmy Garoppolo under center.

As for Garoppolo, his situation remains in flux after the quarterback led San Francisco to a second NFC Championship Game appearance in three years. The 49ers were unable to pull off a Garoppolo trade before most of the vacant starting jobs around the NFL were filled. There’s hope that something can get done here.

Without a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft stemming from the aforementioned blockbuster trade, San Francisco is not in an enviable situation leading up to the annual event in Northern California.

Below, we look at three trades the 49ers can make during the draft to help both their short-term future and long-term relevance on the broader NFL stage.

Related: 2022 San Francisco 49ers mock draft

San Francisco 49ers trade Jimmy Garoppolo

Jan 30, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Obviously, this is something the 49ers’ brass would like to get done before the draft. It’s also somewhat unlikely given that he’s recovering from shoulder surgery and the market is limited for the quarterback’s services.

At this point, San Francisco should move Garoppolo for pennies on the dollar. If the Houston Texans or Carolina Panthers come calling by offering up a mid-round pick in the 2022 draft and future conditional compensation, the 49ers need to please.

Garoppolo is still counting $26.95 million against the cap. The 49ers themselves have a mere $1.72 million in cap room. Even without a first-round pick, that’s not enough to sign their rookie class. Meanwhile, the team is currently in contract extension talks with All-Pros Nick Bosa and Deebo Samuel. Taking care of the Garoppolo situation has to be of priority for general manager John Lynch and Co.

Related: Updated 2022 NFL draft rumors

San Francisco 49ers trade for N’Keal Harry

Bill Streicher USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers signed two mid-tier free-agent wide receivers ahead of the draft in that of Malik Turner and Marcus Johnson. San Francisco also signed one of the better punt returners in the NFL, Ray-Ray McCloud.

Even then, there’s a need for more talent and depth behind starters Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. Enter into the equation a still young 24-year-old former first-round pick in N’Keal Harry. He’s out of favor in New England and could likely be had for a late-round pick. Despite Harry’s lack of success with the Patriots, he fits the mold of a bigger-bodied wide receiver the 49ers need (6-foot-4). The Arizona State product would also come cheap ($3.2 million cap hit in 2022).

Related: Sportsnaut’s updated NFL trade rumors

San Francisco 49ers trade for future draft assets

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Without a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, it makes sense for San Francisco to move off one or two of its nine selections in the 2022 event. The team will also have at least one extra compensatory third-round selection next year due to the Miami Dolphins hiring Mike McDaniel.

What does this all mean? With two third-round selections and three sixth-round picks, San Francisco could entice a team to give up a second rounder in 2023 for two of those selections. It would create more wriggle room for Lynch and Co. moving forward despite the lack of a first-round pick both in 2022 and 2023.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The exodus of UTEP players out of the men’s basketball program continued on Wednesday afternoon.

Souley Boum, the leading scorer in Conference USA in 2021-22 at 19.9 points per game, announced on social media that he was entering his name in the NBA Draft, while also maintaining his collegiate eligibility and entering his name in the NCAA Transfer Portal.

Boum thanked UTEP fans and the city of El Paso in a social media post. Boum was an integral part of the Miners team under both Rodney Terry and Joe Golding after transferring in from San Francisco in 2018.

In addition to entering the Portal, Souley Boum has also entered his name in the NBA Draft. Keeping his options open. https://t.co/vC3YffOLo8

— Colin Deaver (@ColinDeaverTV) April 6, 2022

“All the memories UTEP has brought me will be cherished in my hear forever, and I am forever blessed to wear UTEP across my chest,” Boum said in a statement.

A three-year starter for the Miners, Boum was the Miners’ leading scorer in 2020-21 and 2021-22 and his play under Golding greatly improved this past season. In addition to leading C-USA in scoring, Boum averaged 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and shot 37% from three-point range.

He also recorded the second triple-double in UTEP history on March 19 in a win over Western Illinois in the first round of The Basketball Classic (20 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists).

A few minutes after Boum entered the Portal, guard Cam Clardy followed suit. A walk-on, Clardy played in just 14 games for UTEP in 2021-22.

Boum’s departure makes him the ninth member of the 2021-22 UTEP roster to leave – so far – since the season ended. Alfred Hollins graduated; Christian Agnew, Clardy, Jorell Saterfield, Bonke Maring and Emmanuel White entered the Transfer Portal; Tydus Verhoeven and Boum entered both the NBA Draft and the Portal, keeping their options open; and Jamal Bieniemy turned pro while hiring an agent, ending his collegiate career.

Sources told KTSM that UTEP expected to lose 9-10 players from the 2021-22 roster and have to replace them. So far, that is playing out. The one to watch now will be guard Keonte Kennedy, who has yet to make an announcement either way. Kennedy missed much of the season with a foot injury, but averaged 14.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in 2021-22.

Also hitting UTEP on Wednesday was the departure of assistant coach Butch Pierre. According to a report from Jon Rothstein, Pierre is heading to Wichita State to join Isaac Brown’s staff.

Sources: Wichita State’s Isaac Brown will hire Butch Pierre as an assistant coach.

Highly experienced assistant who has been a very successful recruiter over his career.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 6, 2022

A well-regarded recruiter, Pierre helped bring multiple players to El Paso in year one under Joe Golding, including Jamari Sibley. The timing of Pierre’s departure could hurt UTEP because as the Miners are in need of bringing in top players, their top recruiter is on his way out.

Time will tell where UTEP goes from here, but expect there to be more changes before the end of the week.

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The 2022 NFL Draft is nearly upon us, and the San Francisco 49ers have plenty of work to do. No, that doesn’t include whether or not they’ll trade quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in the coming weeks.

As of publication, the 49ers were slated to have nine total selections in the 2022 NFL Draft, but only one in the first two rounds. Now feels like the perfect time to analyze who the five-time Super Bowl champions could select within the draft’s first four rounds. Although, given that this story covers rounds two through four, it’s technically a three-round draft. Semantics are fun, aren’t they?

For the sake of simplicity, we only used the 49ers’ current draft selections; there are no trades here that have not already happened. We also drafted players based on need and team fit.

Based on consideration of the aforementioned prerequisites, our three-round mock draft looks as follows:

Round 2 (No. 61 overall): Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati

Diving into some 2022 CB class film and I had this in the tuck. Cincinnati CB Coby Bryant 2020 play.

I always talk about pressing with your feet. Here’s a good example of that. Using your feet to get in position to get hands on or get in phase. Great look n lean here as well. pic.twitter.com/xNbWI2QoeS

— CROCK-MAN (@eric_crocker) February 19, 2022

After Kobe Bryant dominated in Los Angeles, we’ll let Coby Bryant (no relation) try to begin his own legendary path in San Francisco. The 6-foot-1, 193-pound cornerback was a four-year starter for the Bearcats and has exceptional vision and awareness. Although Bryant isn’t the fastest cornerback (he ran a 4.54 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine), his ball skills and intelligence could easily propel him into the second round.

Even if Bryant isn’t a Day 1 starter, he’d be a welcome addition to the 49ers’ secondary. Don’t be surprised to see San Francisco here.

Other options: David Bell, WR, Purdue; Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC; Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama

Round 3 (No. 93 overall): Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois

The 6-foot-1, 203-pound Joseph could use further development after only starting a single season at Illinois. However, his high ceiling and excellent physical traits could bring him a long way in the NFL. He snagged five interceptions for the Fighting Illini in 2021 and won’t turn 22 until Nov 14.

Although the 49ers could draft a receiver this early, we’re projecting them to stick with defense. With that said, we won’t be surprised when the team adds another running back in the waning hours of the draft’s second night.

Other options: Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis; Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama (if CB not selected in R2); Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson; Sean Rhyan, G, UCLA

Round 3 (No. 105 overall): Cole Strange, OG, Chattanooga

Impossible to watch Cole Strange’s @GoMocsFB tape and not love how he strains & finishes. Got after people same way all week in Mobile. Heard from numerous NFL scouts he was one of their best interviews too. Every team is looking for ass-kickers and there aren’t enough of them. pic.twitter.com/KykkvVYjDu

— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 14, 2022

The 49ers need offensive linemen, and Strange is skyrocketing up draft boards. In fact, the UT-Chattanooga standout might be selected within the first 100 picks after a strong college season and an impressive week at the Senior Bowl in February.

The 6-foot-5, 307-pound Strange might profile as a long-term center, which could set him up to eventually replace seven-time Pro Bowler Alex Mack in the middle. NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein compared the 23-year-old to former Cleveland Browns center JC Tretter, and that’s a resemblance the 49ers should absolutely want to hear.

Other options: Any of the players listed as an option at No. 93 who might still be on the board; Joseph (if the 49ers select Strange at No. 93); Ed Ingram, G, LSU; Sam Williams, EDGE, Ole Miss; Verone McKinley III, S, Oregon (if safety not taken earlier)

Round 4 (No. 134 overall): Dominique Robinson, EDGE

Originally a standout high school quarterback in Ohio, Robinson initially played receiver for the Redhawks before moving to defense ahead of the 2020 season. The 6-foot-5, 253-pound pass-rusher totaled 10.5 tackles for a loss and seven sacks in the last two seasons.

Considering his history of bold and creative decisions, it wouldn’t be surprising to see head coach Kyle Shanahan fight for the team to draft Robinson despite his recent transition to defense. His experience as a wideout coupled with his speed (he ran a 4.72 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine) made him a fascinating defensive prospect, and he made perfect sense for the 49ers.

Other options: Alec Lindstrom, C/G, Boston College; Mario Goodrich, CB, Clemson (if CB not taken earlier); Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana; Nick Cross, S, Maryland (if safety not taken earlier)

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RELATED: Houston Texans 3-Round Mock Draft: Lovie Smith Adds Elite Tackle, Pass-Rusher To Turn Franchise Around

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Former Auburn standout Dee Ford will be looking for a new NFL opportunity. San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch told reporters this week that the team is moving on from Ford, who has missed significant time due to injury.

“I don’t see a lot of hope with him being a factor for us on the field moving forward,” Lynch said of Ford at the NFL Annual Meeting, per NBC Sports Bay Area. “I think we tried to be as patient as possible, and no fault of Dee, he just ran into a bad situation with his back, where he couldn’t get healthy.”

A 2013 All-SEC selection, Ford went to the Kansas City Chiefs with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He played for the Chiefs through the 2018 season. On March 2, 2019, Kansas City placed the franchise tag on Ford. Less than 2 weeks later, the Chiefs traded Ford to San Francisco. Ford and the Niners then agreed to a 5-year deal worth $87.5 million.

Ford played in 21 games for the 49ers. Over the last 2 seasons, though, he appeared in just 7 games. Ford was placed on injured reserve in 2020 with a neck and back injury, playing in just 1 game. This past season, Ford played in 6 games, landing on IR again in November.

San Francisco has not yet officially parted with Ford.

“We’ll figure that out, exactly what the transaction will be,” Lynch told reporters. “But not enough hope and progress to see him playing for us moving forward.”

Over his professional career, Ford has played in 85 regular-season games, including 43 starts. In the regular season, he has tallied 159 tackles, 40 sacks, 12 forced fumbles and 7 passes defended. He has also played in 8 postseason games (4 starts), logging 17 tackles and 2.5 sacks. In 2018, Ford was selected to the Pro Bowl and led the NFL in forced fumbles with 7.

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The 49ers don’t hold a pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft or even an early second-round pick, but they do have the ammunition to do so if they desire.

San Francisco 49ers fans could be forgiven for considering the 2022 NFL Draft a somewhat abstract part of the year for them, given the team doesn’t have a selection until No. 61 jumpsuit.

While there’s no shortage of stars on the Niners who were picked after the first round, from wide receiver Deebo Samuel to tight end George Kittle and linebacker Fred Warner (all three of whom are All-Pro selections from the last few seasons), it’s the first round that captures the attention of your average fan.

read more: 49ers 7-round mock draft with 2022 NFL Combine in the books

While draftniks will always love all three days of the draft, arguing endlessly online about who the real steals of the draft are, your Joe and Jane Six-Pack probably aren’t going to be that enraptured by it.

While the 49ers don’t have a pick in the first round as of yet, they have the ammunition to move up. They currently possess three picks on Day 2 of the draft, a number that’s likely to increase once the inevitable trade of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo goes through.

As a team that has needs at cornerback, there could be something to move up to grab one of the top cornerbacks on the board or someone else that tickles a fancy.

In fact it may not even need to be a first-round selection, San Francisco could just choose to move up into the top 50 picks or so. Niner Noise has made no secret of his love for players like North Dakota State wide receiver Christian Watson or Baylor cornerback Jalen Pitre, who are on that bubble between the first and second rounds after strong performances in the NFL Scouting Combine.

Here we look at three scenarios: a possible trade deep into the first round, a trade into the latter stages of the first round, and a trade earlier into the second round.

Let’s take a look.

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